Tucked into the Bieszczady hills of southeastern Poland, the wooden Orthodox church in Turzańsk is one of the region's most treasured landmarks — a UNESCO World Heritage Site that has stood for over two centuries and still serves an active parish today. If you are exploring the Carpathian foothills, this is a stop you simply cannot miss.

Built between 1801 and 1803, this Lemko-style church is a masterpiece of traditional timber construction. Five bulbous domes topped with ornate iron crosses give the silhouette an almost fairy-tale quality, while the dark vertically-clad wooden walls blend beautifully with the surrounding green hills. Step inside and you will find a remarkable iconostasis and wall paintings — both created by Josyp Bukowczyk in the 1890s. Autumn is especially magical here, when the forests turn gold and the old wood of the church glows in the low light. Next to the church stands a three-storey timber bell tower from 1817, and a small churchyard cemetery with 19th-century gravestones completes this atmospheric ensemble.

• Turzańsk is located in the Osława river valley near Komańcza, accessible by car or bus from Sanok. The church stands in the village centre and is clearly signposted as part of the Subcarpathian Wooden Architecture Trail (route IV: Sanok–Dukla).

• UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2013 — part of the group of 16 wooden Carpathian churches from Poland and Ukraine.
• Active Orthodox parish — visiting hours should be confirmed with the parish in advance.
• Part of the Subcarpathian Wooden Architecture Trail, route IV.

After World War II and the forced deportations of the Ukrainian population during 'Operation Vistula', the church was used by Latin-rite Catholics for over a decade before returning to Orthodox hands in 1963 — a layered history that makes every visit feel meaningful.